How to catch your bait . . . .
There are three primary methods for catching these bait fish:
1. SABIKI RIG: This is probably the most common method. If you
have not used one before, you will learn to both love and hate them but
they are effective. Essentially, it is a monofilament line with 6-10 small
gold hooks on it that is jigged for bait. In the early morning in the
summer, you will see the charter and other boats lined up in the East
Pass or just outside the jetties on the "bar". These boats are normally
using a sabiki rig to catch their bait for the day. For more information on
sabikis, go to
SABIKI RIGS
2. CAST NETS: The cast net is probably the fastest way to get a
quantity of bait. For more information on how to use the cast net, go to
CAST NETS .
3. PINFISH TRAPS: The pinfish trap is an efficient method for
catching the ever present pinfish. It is a baited wire cage, similiar to crab
traps, that is placed on the bottom for a period of time. The bait attracts
the pin fish, but they are unable to get out easily.
There are three primary methods for catching these bait fish:
1. SABIKI RIG: This is probably the most common method. If you
have not used one before, you will learn to both love and hate them but
they are effective. Essentially, it is a monofilament line with 6-10 small
gold hooks on it that is jigged for bait. In the early morning in the
summer, you will see the charter and other boats lined up in the East
Pass or just outside the jetties on the "bar". These boats are normally
using a sabiki rig to catch their bait for the day. For more information on
sabikis, go to
SABIKI RIGS
2. CAST NETS: The cast net is probably the fastest way to get a
quantity of bait. For more information on how to use the cast net, go to
CAST NETS .
3. PINFISH TRAPS: The pinfish trap is an efficient method for
catching the ever present pinfish. It is a baited wire cage, similiar to crab
traps, that is placed on the bottom for a period of time. The bait attracts
the pin fish, but they are unable to get out easily.
Finding and Catching Live Bait in the
Destin Area
Destin Area
PINFISH CAUGHT
ON THE SHALIMAR
BRIDGE USING
SQUID TIPPED
SABIKI RIG DURING
DECEMBER
ON THE SHALIMAR
BRIDGE USING
SQUID TIPPED
SABIKI RIG DURING
DECEMBER
Some areas that normally hold bait fish all year
BARREL BARGE N30 21.819 W086 36.096
BRIDGE RUBBLE N30 20.826 W086 29.630
HOPPER BARGE N30 19.688 W086 22.893
KELP BED N30 20.826 W086 29.630
LIBERTY SHIP N30 18.392 W086 36.206
MISS LOUISE N30 22.286 W086 25.316
These are only a few. You will normally find bait
on any of the offshore structure.
________________________________________
Some natural bottom where I have caught squirrel
fish:
18s Bottom N30 11.489 W086 32.654
128 Hole N30 09.959 W086 31.744
Again, many other places to look.
BARREL BARGE N30 21.819 W086 36.096
BRIDGE RUBBLE N30 20.826 W086 29.630
HOPPER BARGE N30 19.688 W086 22.893
KELP BED N30 20.826 W086 29.630
LIBERTY SHIP N30 18.392 W086 36.206
MISS LOUISE N30 22.286 W086 25.316
These are only a few. You will normally find bait
on any of the offshore structure.
________________________________________
Some natural bottom where I have caught squirrel
fish:
18s Bottom N30 11.489 W086 32.654
128 Hole N30 09.959 W086 31.744
Again, many other places to look.
Finding the bait
